This section is excerpted from A Memorial and Biographical History of the Coast Counties of Central California by Henry D. Barrows and Luther A. Ingersoll, and published by The Lewis Publishing Company in 1893.
The agricultural resources of San Benito county are very extensive. Some of the best wheat produced in the State is raised in the upper San Benito valley, and in the other smaller valleys in the southern part of the county. The soil of this region seems to be peculiarly adapted to the growth of both wheat and barley. While the crop of grain for the year 1892 is reported short in other sections of the State, owing to the lateness and shortness of the rains, that of San Benito county is said to be a full average in quantity, and extra in quality.
San Benito county is noted for its hay product. The quantity of grain and hay produced in the county is prodigious.
The Victor Mills of the big Sperry Flour Company are located at Hollister. The capacity of these mills is 400 barrels of flour per day of twenty-four hours each, and they are now run night and day. They have twenty sets of rollers, and a 200-horse-power engine, and consume 1,500 tons of wheat per month, or 18,000 tons per annum, or the larger part of the local product, besides about 200 tons of barley per month, or 2,400 tons per annum, which they convert into feed for stock. The market for their flour is the entire State. William Steinbeck is the local manager. Last year a business of about $600,000 was done by these mills, less than the average; this year they will do more. A capital of about $200,000 is required to carry on the business, including the plant. The Victor Mills are of immense value to the county, as they furnish its farmers a sure market for the greater portion of the grain they raise. The mills buy for cash and sell on thirty days' time.
This section is excerpted from A Memorial and Biographical History of the Coast Counties of Central California by Henry D. Barrows and Luther A. Ingersoll, and published by The Lewis Publishing Company in 1893.
Famous 1893 Book
Now on CD A Memorial and Biographical History of the Coast Counties of Central California
